The difference between a 2500 and a 3500?

[B&W Ram]

We've been looking at new CTD RAMs lately, and I've heard mentioned (more than once) that the only real difference between a 2500 and a 3500 is a heavier leaf spring in the rear of the truck. At first, I dismissed this as a sales tactic designed to push us toward a 3/4 ton truck (that's all they have on the lots around here). However, I've now studied the spec sheet closely and it would seem that the folks at the dealership may be correct?

Specifically, the Max Loaded Trailer Weight specification chart I've been reading specifies a 1,050 lb difference between a 2500 Quad Cab SB 4x4 and a 3500 Quad Cab SB 4x4 (both with 3.73 axle ratios). After reading this bit of information, I wanted to run this by the folks on the forum.

What is the mechanical difference between the 2500 and the 3500?

If it's true that the only difference is the rear leaf springs, would it be relatively easy to convert a 2500 into a 3500? In other words, would the heavier leaf spring bolt right up to the 2500? And if so, I'd also like to know if it's difficult to change the gears in the rear differential (I haven't seen a RAM with the 4.10 option around these parts either).

We have a real need for a CTD-equipped 4x4 at the moment, so we're looking hard at the remaining 2008s. As we've left it kind of late, the pickens are a bit thin here. Nevertheless, the current incentives to purchase a 2008 model are the only thing making this possible for us. This being the case, I'd really appreciate reading more about the actual differences before we go any further with the search.

Thanks for your time...

[bmorgan]

There is a pretty good difference between the two trucks but it just all depends on what you are going to be towing around. Changing gears are simple but if your not familiar i would let an expert do it. It will probably set you back $500-800 depending. And, a 3500 leaf will bolt straight up to a 2500 truck, but those leafs are usually pretty expensive, but really simple to install. Not really sure what the price difference is but it could be worth it to do yourself considering a 2500 is probably a bit cheaper, and it will be cheaper on insurance and registration compared to a 3500.

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07.5 Mega Cab 6" Lift w/ Dual Fox Shox, 37x13.50x20, Mag Hytec covers, AMP Power Steps, Tire Gate, BiXenon 8000K, AFE Intake, H&S 5" STRAIGHT pipe to dual MBRP, K2 MP-8, K2 EGR & Cooler delete, Edge Juice w/ Attitude, shimmed fuel rail.more to come.

[rxr]

My axels and springs are exactly the same as the one ton but my 2500 does not have the overload spring. That's the main difference in the CTD HD trucks (2500/3500) The 3500 ends up with a Higher GVWR on the data plate (sticker).

I got a set of air bags rather than buy the overload springs. I now have ride adjustment and options.

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2008 2500 HD Megacab 4X4 CTD, 6 speed Auto, Mineral Gray. - 28TB Tahoe Toy Hauler
Utility quads, 2 kids and one awesome (and patient) wife. Priorities not listed in order of importance.

[green'97-12v]

its not heavier leaf springs its more overloads. the 3500's have more overloads. thats it. get an extra set of overloads or a good set of air bags.

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'06 2500 QCLB, G56, DIABLO, FASS, 5"tb-5" BULLHAULERS, SITTIN ON 35" RUBBER

[tr4petty]

When I bought my 2005 Ram diesel, I was told that the only difference between the 2500 and the 3500 was the spring package, PROVIDED I got the Cummins diesel engine. I was told that the hp and torque of the Cummins diesel was too much for anything lighter than the 3500 running gear, hence the 11.5 inch AAM axle. The 2500 with the Hemi gas engine comes with the smaller 10.5 inch AAM axle. So, if you get the diesel engine option in the 2500, I believe you are correct that the only difference between the 2500 and 3500 is the springs.

[KILO]

springs and a 2 for a 3 on the side of the truck

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'07.5 2500 6.7L, G56, 4X4, 37x12.5R17 Goodyear MT/R's, airaid intake, Airgog 150, xrt 175, 5in tbe, egr delete, SB 3250 and Amsoil. Thanks for all the goodies Wally
'09 Jetta TDI for sale, 43MPG @ 80MPH on the highway

[ynots57]

buy the 2500 and then get some airbags, they are not that expensive and easy to install. for mpg id stay away from 4:10 gears unless your hauling heavy regularly or running large tires

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05 - 2500, 4x4x6, 48re, aero, aem & other $tuff

"Many times a mans mouth broke his nose"

[Trpntj]

I have a 3500 Single Rear Wheel (07.5), whats the difference in a 2500? and Dual rear wheel 3500 Here's my leaf springs...

[

Axle


Tripper

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07.5 Quad Cab 3500 SRW 4x4, H&S 5", Edge J/A, Mega Cannon

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Last edited by Trpntj : 11-24-2008 at 07:22 PM.

[Hot Stuff]

After '04, All CTD's have the 11.5" rear. The '03 and '04's were hit and miss.

Stay away from the 4.10's unless you tow heavy all the time or plan on going with BIG tires. The 3.73's will be the best all around gear.

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'03 Black 2500 QC/LB 4x4, 6 speed, BHAF, 2" lift, black H2's, 35" BFG MT's, B&W turnover, Juice w/ Attitude, 5" str8 pipe, BD lift pump, spin on filters, Firestone bags

Ohio Coal Roller

[Riddler6.7]

the only difference btwn a 2500 and 3500 SRW is the overload spring that the 3500 has. Same truck otherwise

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2007.5 QC SWB 4x4
6.7CTD, 68RE, Inferno Red, Big Horn
and i aint tellin the rest

[Damdrtbkr]

There is another difference, the 3500 doesn't come with the tps. At least my 08 didn't, I was glad to see I didn't have to deal with those things.

[antwan718]

I know on the 2003 the 3500 didnt have rack & pinion steering I would imagine that carried over for the early 04 as well.

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-03' 5.9L w/Edge Mileage Max, 4" TBE, GHD, Modular Intake, Boost elbow
-85" Mustang GT CFI
-70" 440+6 Challenger R/T